WHAT THE CLUCK?
People are only just realising what the ‘E’ symbol on their meat packaging stands for – and they’re gobsmacked
BRITS love a meaty dish - but have you ever wondered what the ''E'' symbol on the packaging really means?
Well, one foodie recently spilled the beans - and it's safe to say, meat lovers are far from happy.
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As the cost-of-living crisis is soaring, many cash-strapped families are tracking what they spend - and that also includes ensuring that they're really getting what they're paying for at the supermarket.
One of those now carefully inspecting her bills and groceries is one shopper who is a member of the popular on Facebook.
After placing the mince on her digital scales, the woman came to a shocking discovery and posted it on the page.
''NOT a coupon or bargain but maybe something to think about.....are we getting what we pay for?'' she wrote.
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She explained that she grabbed a 500g packet of lean beef steak mince on her shopping trip and presumed she was getting what she paid for.
But despite what the packaging stated, she realised she didn't actually get 500g of meat.
''Bought what I assumed was 500g, as stated on the pack, but in reality got 456g!
''Not a lot of difference I know but it just makes me wonder,'' she continued in the caption above the snap which revealed the unpleasant discovery.
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Social media users then came to conclude that the ''E'' on the plastic packaging stands for ''estimated'', leaving some furious.
''People moaning its only 50g yet if you bought a variety bag of 6 packs of crisp and only got 5 would you still be okay with it?'' commented one person.
I tried Greggs sausage roll yard – I’m not telling porkies, the meat treat was mouthwatering
''You bought a crate of 12 cans and got 10 is that okay?
''We do get conned even when the times are hard and they call it a " living crisis " people should be more vigilant on where there wasting there money!''
Another agreed, penning: ''For those who don’t think it’s a big deal. Every 11th packet if packaged at 50g less is pure profit to these companies.
''So they’re ripping everyone off and getting away with it.
''Yes the “e” means average or estimated weight but it’s also not meant to fall below a certain percentage weight wise of the amount stated which is the case here as it’s almost 10% below what’s being advertised.''
To avoid getting ripped off and making the most out of your money, someone else suggested: ''If you went to a butchers they weigh the products in front of you.
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How to cut the cost of your grocery shop
SAVING on your shop can make a big difference to your wallet. Here are some tips from comparison site Money.co.uk about how you can cut the cost of your shopping bills:
- Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley
- Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping
- Never shop hungry – you are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling
- Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering
- Use social media – follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals
- Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
- Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more
- Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards
''Buy fresh buy local buy bulk if needs be separate & home freeze.''
An angry shopper added: ''I don’t care what the E in the corner stands for or packaging errors, get it right I’m paying for 500g give me 500g not rocket science.''
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